When Duran Duran’s rhythm section joined forces with Chic to create a rock supergroup
In short: In 1984, members of Duran Duran and Chic formed The Power Station to chase a grittier, funk-infused rock sound. What began as a one-off project to back a friend quickly evolved into a high-profile supergroup, producing major hits before internal friction and tragic losses cut their journey short.
The Power Station emerged during a hiatus in Duran Duran’s schedule, born from the desire of bassist John Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor to pivot away from synthesizer-heavy pop toward the aggressive, Led Zeppelin-inspired rock they admired. By recruiting Chic drummer Tony Thompson and producer Bernard Edwards, the group blended rock crunch with a sophisticated, horn-inflected funk. Though they initially envisioned a revolving door of vocalists—including stars like Mick Jagger and Billy Idol—the project solidified when Robert Palmer stepped in to record vocals for the track 'Communication' and eventually the entire debut album.
Released in March 1985, the self-titled album achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 6 on the US charts and number 12 in the UK. The lead single, 'Some Like It Hot', became a staple of the era, while their cover of T. Rex’s 'Get It On' competed directly with Duran Duran’s own chart-topping releases. However, the band’s momentum was fragile. Palmer departed shortly after the album's release to capitalize on his newfound solo success, leading to accusations of unprofessionalism, which he countered by claiming he had provided the band with its signature sound rather than the other way around.
The band’s later years were marked by instability and tragedy. After Palmer left, Michael Des Barres took over vocal duties for a tour and appearances on Miami Vice and the film Commando. The group folded by late 1985, only to attempt a reunion in 1996. During this period, Bernard Edwards replaced John Taylor on bass, but the project was derailed when Edwards died suddenly in Japan. Following the band’s final dissolution, both Robert Palmer and Tony Thompson passed away in 2003, leaving the legacy of their brief, high-energy collaboration preserved in their 1985 debut and subsequent retrospective releases.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Power Station (band)
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